Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable for creating active ingredients in antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce chirality in drug candidates. Also utilized in the preparation of beta-adrenergic receptor ligands and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry plays a critical role in activity.